Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Tech Help

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-07-2003, 11:39 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 3
Post shock noise??

I recently had my front shocks replaced at a local repair shop - not at a MB dealer.

Ever since the shock replacement (with a generic brand), however, the car makes a thump noise from the right front side every time I go over a bump driving at 20 - 40 mph. Any speed below 20+/- or over 40 +/- does not produce the noise. The left side does not make any noise. I went back to the mechanic, who upon detailed inspection, found nothing wrong.

Any leads?

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-08-2003, 12:00 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,160
Maybe double check the nuts/ bolts for tightness on that side ?
Normally it is best to tighten the bottom nuts/bolts with the car resting on the ground, rather than on a hoist.
__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-08-2003, 10:51 AM
csnow's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Mass
Posts: 1,127
Model?
__________________
1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-12-2003, 10:43 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 3
Thanks for the replies. It's 420 SEL that's making the noise.

The mechanic rechecked all the nuts & bolts but still the noise is there. BTW, the mechanic assured me that it's not a safety issue. However, when I go over several consecutive cracks/bumps on the road, the noise bothers me a bit.

Could this thumping noise be related to a rope tightening noise when I turn the wheel while in park?

I appreciate any suggestions.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-13-2003, 12:31 AM
benzfan's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Toronto
Posts: 277
I suspect your car is put together much the same as mine, and I would have a look at your swaybar and outer bushings. Frequently the swaybar itself wears in the area that constantly slides inside the outer bushing. On smaller bumps at that speed, the bushing play will cause a prominent knocking as the sway bar moves up and down with the suspension. All this assumes you've already ruled out the usual suspects (tie rod ends, ball joints).
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-13-2003, 07:31 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 962
I would second the above info. I don't know about your W126 chassis, but on the W124s like mine, front swaybar bushings generally last about 75 k miles. Mine made a "thunk" sound over bumps, esp. with the wheel turned slightly.

Cheap and easy fix.

My dealer misdiagnosed the noise as blown shock tower mounts and estimated $1200 to fix. Instead I learned about the swaybar bushing problem and spend $50. Problem solved.
__________________
Steve
'93 400E
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 05-13-2003, 07:58 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 3
Thanks benzfan and 400E. I will look into this this weekend.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-13-2003, 08:50 PM
benzfan's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Toronto
Posts: 277
FWIW, On mine, new bushings would not help as the bar was worn too much. I got some heat shrink tubing (the really heavy, stiff stuff with hot melt glue inside - Canadian Tire item where I'm from). I 'shimmed' the bar with it as a temporary fix some months ago and made sure to use synthetic grease when putting the bushings back on. That was 25,000 km ago. If and when it wears, I plan to do the same thing again until I get up the motivation to put some Eibach bars on. It's still rock solid as a 'temporary' fix.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-13-2003, 09:54 PM
ck42's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Holly Springs, GA
Posts: 874
frontosa:

My 126 does something that sounds like what you're describing.

The thunking/clunking sound sounds like something in the front left suspension is LOOSE. It only occurs when going over a *sharp* type bump, ie, railroad tracks or a bumpy/rocky road....something other than a smooth transition bump like a driveway curb or a smooth speedbump.

Everything has been checked up front except the sway bar bushings. This may be my problem as well.

__________________
Chris
1985 300SD - 'Grace' (198K mi.)
2018 Honda Civic Sport
2018 Honda CRV LX
2010 Honda Fit Sport (RIP)
2013 Honda Accord Sport (Sold)
1996 Lexus LS400 (Retired)
1995 Ford Contour SE (Retired)
1976 Porsche 914 (Sold)
1972 Datsun 240Z (RIP)
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:43 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page